Natalie Waldens Weddings and Brides Pages

WEDDING CEREMONIES IN BRITAIN

Civil Weddings
There are several reasons to having a civil wedding the main one being that you have no religious inclination at all. The registrar can only refuse to carry out a wedding on legal grounds.

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First decide on the date, then if it will be in a registry office or a licensed venue. One thing to remember is that more couples are opting for civil weddings these days so make sure to book as soon as possible. Check with the registrar what information and documents (birth certificate) are required to give notice of marriage, they will only accept originals not photocopies. Both of you will have to go in person to register and pay the registration fee.

The Civil Venue
If you are getting married in a civil venue you may wish to discuss with the registrar possible choices of music and what is available. How many guests are allowed and what arrangements are there for photos (area set aside in the grounds).
Remember, you can make this as formal or as casual as you like, full wedding dress, smart suit or casual, there is no set rule. The registrar will have arranged several weddings for that day  so please make sure all guest arrive 10 minutes or so before the service, some offices have a IN and an OUT door so that one wedding does not clash with another. Some ask for the guests to wait outside until called for.

The Service
The service is the same for all locations; the registrar will ask to see the bride and groom beforehand to confirm various details then the guests will be invited in and the service will begin. You will be asked to confirm that you are both legally allowed to get married, the exchange of vows and rings (optional) takes place. Congratulations! You are now married. You are asked to check the register before signing, then finally the witnesses also sign.

 

 

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